They are thankful for the support they have had from local teachers, who have taught them in methods classes at the Bega Campus, and supervised and mentored them in schools.

The pre-service teachers said the best thing about having teachers as tutors was that they could relay what was happening in schools right now and provide insight into the latest practices.

Primary teachers Natasha Sconfienza, Hollie Russell, Lisa Kidd and Rebecca Bond were supported by local teachers in their professional experience at Bega Valley, Bemboka, Candelo, Eden, Pambula, and Tathra Public Schools, as well as at Sapphire Coast Anglican College, St Patrick’s Bega and Lumen Christi Catholic College.

Secondary teachers Benjamin Machan (English/History), Rebecca Lupton (English) and Vanessa Mercieca (Visual Arts) were supported by local teachers at Bega High School, Eden Marine High School, Narooma High School, Sapphire Coast Anglican College and Lumen Christi Catholic College.

Asked to list the highlights of their professional experiences the students nominated “Seeing innovative ways teachers present material and help students learn”; “Local teachers have such a depth and breadth of knowledge”; “All staff in schools have been welcoming, helpful and supportive”; “Every school experience we’ve had excellent teachers and learnt how to apply theory to practice in the classroom”.

The new teachers are now eager to get into classrooms and build on the relationships they’ve been developing with students and teachers in our community over the past two years.

If you’ve been thinking about training as a teacher, applications for the 2017 intake of the Master of Teaching program at UOW Bega will close at the end of October. To inquire go to bega.uow.edu.au or call 6494 7035.